New 3D heart ‘slicing’ scan developed in Southampton UK

A leading cardiologist from Southampton is the first to develop a technique to “slice” 3D images of the heart into sections using computer software.

The method is known as multiplane review (MPR) 3D echocardiography.

It allows the user to identify heart defects more accurately than on traditional 2D or standard 3D scans.

Dr Joseph Vettukattil pioneered its development at Southampton General Hospital to identify heart abnormalities present from birth.

He said: “It helps us to cut the virtual heart (the image that the MPR 3D echocardiography produces) and slice it in any place we want, and expose the defects which helps us to understand what is wrong, and what we can do to fix it.”

Dr Vettukattil added he now hopes to develop Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust as the world leader in advanced 3D echocardiography, through the establishment of an imaging and training centre.